Gout

Definition

Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. This causes the joints to be inflamed, causing pain.

Causes

Gout typically occurs if you have high levels of
uric acid
in your blood. A high level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. However, you could also have normal uric levels and still have gout.

The uric acid can then form crystals in the joints causing the pain and inflammation.

The liver metabolizes uric acid, and the kidneys get rid of it through the urine. Levels of uric acid build up when:

Too much uric acid is produced

Not enough uric acid is eliminated

If you have gout and hyperuricemia, your body doesn't eliminate enough uric acid.

Risk Factors

Gout is more common in men over the age of 30 years, but gout can occur in men and women at any age. Other factors that may increase your risk of gout include:

Recurrent Gout

Most people with gout have another attack. This attack may affect many different joints. With recurrent gout, tophi can form. Tophi are chalky deposits of uric acid that most commonly occur in the elbows and earlobes, but may form anywhere

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Gout overview.
American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/gout.html.
Updated July 2013. Accessed May 9, 2016.

Questions and answers about gout.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Gout/default.asp. Updated April 2012. Accessed May 9, 2016.